Recruitment lasts about two weeks, it begins with potential new member orientation and IFC tabling events where all potential new members get the opportunity to meet all IFC chapters. Following the tabling events chapter begins hosting open house events where potential new members are able to attend to get to know each chapter and figure out their best fit.

Recruitment events typically happen in chapter facilities but also in on-campus spaces and 3rd party venues like restaurants and activity base venues. IFC and chapter work to advertise all recruitment events.

• All recruitment events should be alcohol free and appropriate, inclusive, and respectful of all backgrounds and identities. Chapters are not permitted to host recruitment events on religious or cultural holidays including but not limited to: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Chinese New Year, etc

After the first two weeks, chapters can officially give out bids to all PNM’s. If given a bid then PNM’s then have 4 days to accept or decline. Upon acceptance of a bid each chapter has a different new member process that leads to admittance into the fraternity. After this initial recruitment period, chapters can also participate in rolling recruitment which allows them to continue to participate in recruitment and extend bids until the end of the semester. Each school year there is a spring and fall semester recruitment period. All of the specific dates will be communicated by IFC prior to the beginning of recruitment for that given semester.

Rolling Recruitment: IFC is participating in a rolling recruitment process this spring mean that chapter can host recruitment events through the recruitment period and extend bids/add men to their chapter starting February 15th through April 18th. It is important to note that chapter chapters may conclude their open recruitment process earlier than other chapters. To stay up to date on which chapters are actively recruiting, join the IFC Recruitment Canvas Course!

Bid: A bid is an invitation to membership to a particular fraternity. It is possible to receive more than one bid, but you are only allowed to accept one chapter’s bid. Bids will begin being extended on Monday, February 15th.  You will have 96 hours to accept or decline a bid.

Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations. For hundreds of years, fraternities and sororities have brought college students together under a common purpose.  In 1776, the first fraternity was founded and many fraternal organizations for men were founded thereafter. As women were admitted into higher education, women created separate organizations to provide similar experiences.  Black Greek Letter Organizations emerged in the early 1900s creating a space for Black students to find community and resources to pursue higher education. Black Greek Letter Organizations are important part of Black history. In the decades that followed, organizations with a cultural or multicultural focus began to emerge.

While the Interfraterinty Council governs 27 fraternities at UW – Madison, the National Pan-Hellenic Conference (NPHC), comprised of Black Greek Letter Organizations, has 3 active fraternities and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), comprised on cultural or multicultural organizations has, 3 active fraternities.

You can learn more about NPHC’s or MGC’s recruitment/intake process on the FSL Website.

When considering joining a fraternity, it is important to explore a variety of things to ultimately find the right fit for you. Here are some examples and things to think about:

• Types of organizations (cultural, academic/professional, religious, etc.)
• National organization, mission, purpose, and values
• Expectations of members
• Chapter size
• Cost
• Housing options

The recruitment process it is time for you to figure out what you want in fraternity experience and lifelong membership. It’s important to be yourself and have fun!

1. Take time to learn about multiple organizations – don’t limit yourself before you’ve explored all of the options.
2. Ignore stereotypes and misconceptions.
3. Ask questions! This is the time to ensure all of your questions are answered before choosing an organization that best fits your needs.
4. Trust your gut – you will likely know which organization is the best fit for you.
5. Ask for help! Our staff and council leaders are here to support you as you navigate these processes, feel free to reach out with questions or to talk about your options.